Choosing the right professional chainsaw can make all the difference in your daily workload. When Husqvarna’s robust lineup is on the table, two models often stand out for serious users: the Husqvarna 555 and the 550 XP. Both are engineered for demanding tasks, but subtle differences can cater to specific preferences and operational needs.
Are you weighing the power and endurance of the 555 against the agility and performance of the 550 XP? Understanding their core strengths, target applications, and unique features is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your cutting demands and budget.
This comparison dives deep into what sets these two formidable Husqvarna machines apart. We’ll explore their engine capabilities, handling characteristics, and overall value to help you determine which chainsaw deserves a spot in your toolkit.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | husqvarna 555 | 550 xp |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 59.8 cc | 50.1 cc |
| Power Output | 3.3 kW | 3.0 kW |
| Recommended Bar Length (Min) | 15″ | 13″ |
| Recommended Bar Length (Max) | 24″ | 20″ |
| Chain Pitch | 0.325″ | 0.325″ |
| Chain Gauge | 0.058″ | 0.050″ |
| Weight (Powerhead only) | 5.9 kg | 5.1 kg |
| Fuel Tank Volume | 0.7 L | 0.5 L |
| Oil Tank Volume | 0.4 L | 0.27 L |
| Vibration Level (front/rear handle) | 2.8/3.5 m/s² | 2.9/3.7 m/s² |
| Sound Pressure Level (LWA) | 114 dB(A) | 115 dB(A) |
| X-Torq Engine | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Engine Size & Power
- Husqvarna 555: Features a robust 59.8cc engine delivering substantial power, making it suitable for demanding tasks and professional use. Its larger displacement generally translates to higher torque for tackling tough wood.
- 550 Xp: Boasts a 50.1cc engine, offering a good balance of power and agility. While smaller, its advanced X-Torq engine technology ensures excellent fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
- Winner: husqvarna 555
Weight & Balance
- Husqvarna 555: Weighs in at around 6.1 kg (without cutting equipment), which is on the heavier side for its class. This can lead to increased fatigue during extended use, though it contributes to a solid feel.
- 550 Xp: Comes in lighter at approximately 5.1 kg (without cutting equipment), making it significantly more maneuverable and less taxing on the operator. This improved balance is ideal for prolonged work and precision cutting.
- Winner: 550 xp
Chain Brake System
- Husqvarna 555: Equipped with a standard inertia-activated chain brake, providing reliable safety. It effectively stops the chain in the event of kickback.
- 550 Xp: Features an inertia-activated chain brake with a quick response time, enhancing operator safety. Its design is optimized for rapid engagement to minimize risk.
- Winner: 550 xp
Anti-Vibration System
- Husqvarna 555: Incorporates an effective anti-vibration system designed to reduce operator fatigue. It isolates the handles from engine vibrations, allowing for more comfortable operation.
- 550 Xp: Benefits from an advanced LowVib® anti-vibration system, which is highly effective in dampening vibrations. This leads to superior comfort and reduced strain on the user’s hands and arms.
- Winner: 550 xp
Carburetor & Air Filtration
- Husqvarna 555: Features a durable carburetor and a serviceable air filter. While effective, the air filtration might require more frequent cleaning in very dusty conditions compared to professional-grade systems.
- 550 Xp: Utilizes a high-quality carburetor and a professional-grade air filtration system, often with a quick-release cover for easy maintenance. This ensures consistent performance and engine longevity, even in challenging environments.
- Winner: 550 xp
Fuel Efficiency & Emissions
- Husqvarna 555: Offers decent fuel efficiency for its power class, but its larger engine can consume more fuel than smaller, more technologically advanced models. Emissions are standard for its category.
- 550 Xp: Excels in fuel efficiency thanks to its X-Torq® engine technology, which reduces fuel consumption and lowers exhaust emissions significantly. This makes it a more environmentally conscious and cost-effective option for frequent use.
- Winner: 550 xp
Durability & Build Quality
- Husqvarna 555: Built with robust materials for good durability, suitable for regular use. Its construction is solid, designed to withstand the rigors of demanding work.
- 550 Xp: Engineered with professional-grade components and a focus on longevity, this saw is built for heavy-duty, continuous operation. Its superior build quality ensures it can handle demanding professional tasks for years.
- Winner: 550 xp
Target User & Application
- Husqvarna 555: Primarily aimed at demanding homeowners, landowners, and semi-professional users who need a powerful saw for felling medium to large trees and extensive firewood processing.
- 550 Xp: Geared towards forestry professionals and arborists who require a powerful, agile, and lightweight saw for a wide range of tasks, including felling, limbing, and bucking in demanding conditions.
- Winner: 550 xp
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Power & Torque | husqvarna 555 |
| Weight & Agility | 550 xp |
| Fuel Capacity | husqvarna 555 |
| Professional Versatility | 550 xp |
| Heavy-Duty Performance | husqvarna 555 |
| Arborist/Limbing Focus | 550 xp |
What They Have in Common
- X-Torq Engine Technology: Both the Husqvarna 555 and 550 XP feature Husqvarna’s advanced X-Torq engine technology. This design significantly reduces fuel consumption and lowers exhaust emissions compared to older engine types, making them more environmentally friendly and economical to run.
- Air Injection System: Both models are equipped with an Air Injection centrifugal cleaning system. This innovative feature removes larger dust and debris particles from the air intake before it reaches the air filter, leading to improved engine performance, longer filter life, and reduced wear and tear on internal engine components.
- Auto-Tune Functionality: The presence of Auto-tune on both chainsaws ensures optimal engine performance automatically. This system electronically adjusts the carburetor based on fuel quality, air filter condition, and temperature, eliminating the need for manual carburetor adjustments and guaranteeing consistent power delivery.
- Low Vibration System: Both the 555 and 550 XP incorporate effective vibration damping systems. These systems are designed to reduce the vibrations transmitted to the operator’s hands and arms, leading to less fatigue during prolonged use and a more comfortable operating experience.
- Tool-Less Chain Tensioning: For convenience, both chainsaws offer tool-less chain tensioning. This allows users to easily adjust the chain tension without the need for separate tools, making it quicker and simpler to maintain the correct chain tightness for safe and efficient cutting.
Husqvarna 555 Vs 550 Xp Buying Guide
Power and Performance Considerations
When choosing between the Husqvarna 555 and 550 XP, power and performance are paramount. The 550 XP generally boasts a higher power-to-weight ratio, making it feel more agile and responsive for demanding tasks. The 555, while still powerful, might offer a slightly more consistent torque delivery suitable for extended periods of cutting through dense wood.
Consider the typical size of trees you’ll be felling or limbing. For professional arborists tackling large diameter logs regularly, the extra punch of the 550 XP could be a significant advantage. Homeowners or those with occasional, less strenuous needs might find the 555 more than adequate. (See Also: Apple Iphone 14 Vs 15 )
Durability and Professional Use
Both chainsaws are built with professional-grade components, but the 550 XP is often positioned as the more robust option for daily, heavy-duty use. Its design may incorporate features specifically engineered for extended operational cycles and increased resistance to wear and tear in challenging environments. The 555 is also very durable, but might be better suited for semi-professional or very frequent homeowner use.
Think about the environment you’ll be operating in. If you’re constantly in dusty or dirty conditions, or if the saw will be subjected to significant vibration and impact, the 550 XP’s enhanced professional-grade construction could offer superior longevity.
Ergonomics and User Comfort
User comfort plays a crucial role in reducing fatigue, especially during long work sessions. The Husqvarna 550 XP is renowned for its excellent balance and vibration dampening technology, contributing to a smoother, more comfortable experience. The 555 also benefits from Husqvarna’s ergonomic design principles, but the 550 XP often takes it a step further for the professional user.
If you experience hand or arm fatigue easily, or plan on using the chainsaw for several hours at a time, investing in a model with superior vibration reduction like the 550 XP is highly recommended. Test holding both if possible to feel the difference in balance and grip. (See Also: Texas Vs Wyoming Llc )
Price and Value Proposition
The Husqvarna 555 typically comes at a more accessible price point than the 550 XP. This makes it an attractive option for those who need a reliable, high-quality chainsaw without the premium cost associated with top-tier professional models. The 550 XP, while more expensive, offers a higher level of performance and durability that justifies its cost for professionals.
Determine your budget and the frequency of use. If the 555 meets your performance needs and you don’t require the absolute highest professional specifications, it represents excellent value. For those who demand the best and use their saw extensively, the 550 XP’s investment can pay off in terms of efficiency and lifespan.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy husqvarna 555 If…
- You need a robust saw for demanding professional tasks and extensive firewood processing.
- You frequently cut larger diameter logs and require more power and torque.
- You prefer a slightly heavier saw with a larger fuel capacity for extended operation between refuels.
- You are looking for a reliable workhorse that offers excellent longevity and durability for heavy-duty use.
Buy 550 xp If…
- You are a professional arborist or forestry worker who needs a lightweight and agile saw for maneuverability.
- You prioritize a high power-to-weight ratio for efficiency and reduced fatigue during long working days.
- You frequently make limbing cuts and need a saw that is responsive and easy to handle in various positions.
- You are looking for Husqvarna’s latest professional-grade technology in a more compact and nimble package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in engine displacement?
The Husqvarna 555 generally features a slightly larger engine displacement, often around 59.8cc, providing robust power for various cutting tasks. The Husqvarna 550 XP typically has a displacement of around 50.1cc. While the 555 has more cc’s, the 550 XP’s advanced design and technology often allow it to achieve comparable or even superior performance in many real-world applications, especially in terms of power-to-weight ratio.
Is the 550 XP significantly lighter than the 555?
Yes, the Husqvarna 550 XP is generally lighter than the 555, often by around 0.5 to 1 pound. This difference, while seemingly small, becomes noticeable during extended use, contributing to less fatigue and improved maneuverability. The 550 XP is specifically designed with a high power-to-weight ratio, making it feel more agile and responsive in the hands of the operator. (See Also: Swagbucks Vs Survey Junkie )
Which saw is better for professional logging operations?
For professional logging operations where durability, sustained high performance, and reduced fatigue are critical, the Husqvarna 550 XP is typically the preferred choice. Its advanced features, superior power-to-weight ratio, and robust construction are engineered for the demands of daily, heavy-duty use. The 555 is a very capable saw but is often better suited for semi-professional or very frequent homeowner use.
Does the 550 XP offer better vibration dampening?
Yes, the Husqvarna 550 XP is known for its exceptional vibration dampening system, which significantly reduces the transfer of vibrations to the operator’s hands and arms. This results in a more comfortable user experience, especially during prolonged periods of operation, and can help mitigate the risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). The 555 also has good vibration dampening, but the 550 XP is often considered superior in this regard.
Is the 555 a good option for a homeowner with a large property?
Absolutely. The Husqvarna 555 is an excellent choice for homeowners with a large property who need a powerful, reliable, and durable chainsaw for felling medium to large trees, bucking firewood, and general property maintenance. It offers a great balance of performance, build quality, and value, making it a more economical yet still highly capable alternative to the top-tier professional models for extensive residential use.
Final Verdict
The Husqvarna 550 XP stands out as the superior choice for professionals and serious users demanding peak performance, agility, and durability. Its exceptional power-to-weight ratio, advanced ergonomics, and robust construction make it ideal for demanding tasks and extended use. While the 555 is a highly capable saw offering great value for homeowners, the 550 XP’s refined engineering and professional focus give it the edge.
Winner: Husqvarna 550 XP